For the last two years, suggesting the most comfortable set of noise-cancelling headphones has been easy: I pointed individuals towards the Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones.
While not an ideal pair of over-ear headphones, they appeared to nearly deserve that distinction, with outstanding ANC, all-day comfort, and a sound profile that managed most music styles effortlessly. My desires for them? Even more enhanced (and customizable) audio, extended battery life, a dependable connection, on-ear controls, and the choice for passive playback.
With the launch of the second-generation Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones, which became available in October 2025, Bose has satisfied two of those wishes.
Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) specifications and pricing
The Bose QC Ultra 2 headphones, in driftwood sand. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones will set you back $449, identical to the initial pricing of the first-gen QC Ultras before the introduction of the second-gen model. The first-gen headphones were originally priced at $429, but earlier this year, Bose increased prices across its range, bringing them up to the $449 we’ve encountered for most of this year. Here’s what’s included at that price:
– 30 hours of battery life (23 hours with Immersive Audio, 45 with ANC disabled)
– Aware, Quiet, and Immersive listening modes
– New immersive audio Cinema Mode
– Adjustable ANC levels using the app
– Adjustable three-band equalizer in the app
– Wired lossless playback with USB-C
– Passive playback support with wired auxiliary cable
– SBC, AAC, and aptX Adaptive codec support
– Bluetooth 5.4
– Google Fast Pair and Spotify Tap
– Removable ear cups
– 10 microphones for ANC and calls
– Lay flat for low power mode
– 0.583 pounds
– Five available colors: Black, desert gold, driftwood sand, midnight violet, white
This specification list aligns with other high-end options, as does the pricing of these headphones. The Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones launched earlier this year at $449.99, and the JBL Tour M3, which appeared shortly before the Sonys, are priced at $449.95. Naturally, there are also pricier options, like the Bowers & Wilkins Px7 S3 at $479 (another release from 2025), while the ever-popular Apple AirPods Max remain at $549 at full price.
Comfort continues as the highlight
I used these headphones for several hours, throughout full workdays, during walks around the neighborhood, with glasses, and while wearing earrings — there simply wasn’t a situation where the fit felt anything less than excellent.
The QC Ultras again fulfill their name. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable
Admittedly, that wasn’t surprising. The first-generation QC Ultra headphones were recognized as the most comfortable by three different Mashable staff members. Given how subjective the fit of headphones can be, I view that as quite a commendable recommendation.
Comparing the first generation to these headphones, I don’t perceive a significant variation in fit, but the ear cushion feels a bit firmer while still being plush. I’m not sure how Bose achieved that balance, but it provides the same level of comfort while feeling more future-proof, though only time will reveal the truth.
Regarding future-proofing, similar to the prior generation, the Bose ear cushions are also replaceable, allowing for swaps as they begin to lose their softness or start to deteriorate after years of usage.
Concerning the rest of the design, it resembles that of the first-generation headphones, featuring a power/Bluetooth button, multifunction button, and volume slider. The controls aren’t particularly remarkable, but they serve their purpose. On a purely aesthetic note, the shiny metal trim is a strong design element (in my view) that makes these headphones stand out even more from the lower-priced options in Bose’s lineup.
The finest noise cancellation from Bose, yet…
Bose is often recognized as a leader in active noise cancellation, and while these headphones are no different, it’s tough to claim they offer the absolute best noise cancellation available today.
It certainly doesn’t help that competition is fierce currently — Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth stated that the ANC on Sony’s WH-1000XM6 headphones is “as good as or better than any I’ve ever heard.”
Having tried the XM6s for myself, I concur with that statement, and while I believe their ANC has a slight edge over Bose by providing a tad more silence (and performing better with high-pitched sounds), Bose has a significant advantage in its adjustable ANC. With the companion app, you can modify your ANC level on a